EC forms two enforcement teams to monitor candidate campaigns

BENTONG: The Election Commission (EC) has formed two campaign enforcement teams to monitor the activities of candidates during the Pelangai by-election.

EC chairman Tan Sri Abdul Ghani Salleh said all campaign methods and materials are allowed as long as they do not promote ill will, dissatisfaction, hostility or touch on sensitive topics, including in particular 3R issues – race, religion and royalty.

“We hope the campaign activities (of candidates) will run in a harmonious atmosphere and adhere to the laws and regulations,” he said in a statement, Bernama reported.

“Candidates who have paid the election campaign deposit are subject to local authority by-laws in displaying and distributing campaign materials containing candidate pictures, party symbols and images of coalition or component party leaders.

“No limit has been set for images of political parties, coalition and component party leaders in the election campaign materials,” he said.

The 14-day campaign period kicked off yesterday.

The Pelangai by-election will see a three-cornered fight between Datuk Amizar Abu Adam of Barisan Nasional, Kasim Samat of Perikatan Nasional and independent candidate Haslihelmy DM Zulhasli.

The EC has fixed Oct 7 as polling day with Oct 3 set for early voting.

Separately, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has launched its operations room for the public to channel information and complaints related to corruption and abuse of power by any parties during the period of the by-election.

In a statement, the MACC said the 24-hour operations room would operate from now until Oct 7 at its Raub office.

The public can also channel information or complaints by emailing [e-mail] or contacting 09-350 1967.

The anti-graft body also reminded all contesting candidates and political parties to avoid engaging in activities that may violate election laws and regulations.